• From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Topic: Pickups

I'm sure this topic has probably been discussed and there are plenty guitarists on this site but I figured why not bring it up.

I own a beautiful 2007 Les Paul Studio.  The stock pickups get a little muddy so I am looking to replace them.

To give a little background on me, I enjoy playing classic rock and blues rock on my LP. 

I love the vintage sound of PAF pickups so here comes the question from my eternal quest for tone...

Which pickups would any of you suggest?  I have tested and liked both Seymour Duncan's 59's as well as the Seth Lovers but I'd like to get more opinions...


Thanks,

Barry


PS does anyone know where one can pick up Joe's Les Paul from Gibson?  I can't find anyone selling it other than 1 ad on ebay.

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Pickups

I have had 59's, seth lovers, and Burstbuckers. 

My favorite so far has been the burstbuckers. They are in a stock custom shop 58 les paul.  So granted the guitar might just sound better, I dont know.

The 59 and seth lovers were in a epiphone les paul.  I like the seth lovers much better then the 59's in the Epiphone Les Paul. 

Again though I think the Burst Buckers are great.  Very clear and tight.  Its hard to gauge pickups because the same pickup will sound different in a different guitar.

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: Pickups

Bare Knuckle Pickups
Lindy Fralin Pickups
Manlius Pickups
Skatterbrane Pickups

The so called "PAF tone" is very subjective. I suggect reading ToneQuest Report's April 08 issue titled "The Spanish Castle" before you go diving head first into buying so called PAF pups. It can be purchased from their website. Look under back issues.

Regardless good luck to you in the never ending quest for tone.

Stay Safe
Spider

  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Pickups

I use burstbuckers as well, especially the pros.  Play with the pickup hight.  Try lowering them first.  Sometimes if I find pickups are to muddy I lower them and find that sweet spot.

Ben

  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Pickups

O also, IDK if you change strings regularly, but new strings sound tight and clear.  Its all in the hands man, nothing fancy smile .

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Pickups

Thanks for the input.....


Also, does anyone know where they are selling the JB Les Paul????

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • jim m
  • jim m
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 3,429

Re: Pickups

Dealers across the states have them you just need to search. There is a thread in this section that mentions a few of them.

jim m's Website

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Pickups

I found a few earlier today on Ebay.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: Pickups

Yeah, lowering your PU height will usually help. A lot of the "Muddiness" is due to the signal being too hot. With too much output, you get a hotter signal, which translates into a lot of mids.
    Lowering the PU height should clear this up, some. It will also make the PUs seem too quiet, until you get used to the new tones and feel. You will probably have to re-adjust your settings on your Amp and Effects. But, once you get it all dialed in, you'll probably really enjoy the added clarity and definition.

    If you want Warm, slightly Hotter PUs, I'd suggest the Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates. If you want a rawer, more bassy tone, maybe some Rio Grande BBQ Buckers. If you want to get extremely specific, maybe talk with Jason at Lollar Pickups. He can set you up with exactly what you describe to him.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner